same with basketball....
hell I'd choose soccer over basketball anytime & anyday.
Here's what I think:
-Hockey needs more exposure & support from other nations, if we want to see other countries participate.
-It's easy to be good in other sports. A 25 yr old guy can be good in Basketball/Baseball/Football/Soccer/Rugby...etc. in less than a year with months of practice and play wherelse the same 25 yr old guy would take like a few more years to become good in hockey.
-Most ppl want to be good quickly. Try introducing hockey to them and let them start by basic skating. After hours of skaitng, watch them whine and give up on the sport.
-Hockey is pretty costly especially in developing countries....Like I said, we'll need support if we want to see other countries take Hockey seriously.